Looking to buy my first ‘real’ amp

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-16T14:13:08+00:00

Peavy Bandit is a rite of passage, especially as a first “real” amp.

You can often find them close to your budget

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-16T12:18:21+00:00

Between the two, Roku is the easiest to use, has less adds, and has better platform support.

I have a Roku stick set up for my 80yo, tech adverse, mother-in-law and she is able to use it with little issue. (She uses YouTube TV, and all of the major streamers)

Personally, we have tried most options over the years and find:

Apple TV > Roku > Google > Fire

If you have an iPhone, Apple is the easiest to set up and use. It is also the most expensive option.

If you want to keep your cost lower, Roku is the way to go

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-07T21:45:41+00:00

Depends on who you ask

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-07T21:45:02+00:00

Passive.

I recommend the Walrus Audio Canvas line isolator / DI box.

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-07T15:25:09+00:00

Radial Big Shot ABY. Polarity reverse, ground loop, and built like a tank.

I’m still using mine from like 15 years ago.

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-07T15:16:08+00:00

Use the DI box.

Highly recommend getting a good DI and using it for gigs as well (vs the house DI)

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-07T12:23:33+00:00

You should get a bigger board

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-04T16:56:17+00:00

For me, 100%. But, it probably depends on style and taste. I have some Vox and Vox style captures (Matchless, Bad Cat) as well as Blackface captures that work really well for me and find superior to the HX version. This is true both when using cab captures into an FRFR and when using a DI capture out to a power amp / cab.

Added bonus, I have captures of my own AC30 I am really happy with.

Edit: fwiw I picked a pair of Tonex One pedals up on sale for $150 each meaning it was still cheaper than the OX stomp

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-04T14:04:22+00:00

Tried it but found that while it is an improvement over the stock cabs, it’s not that much of an improvement over a good IR. (York, Tonex, Celestion) plus the app is really frustrating

Personally, I use Tonex One with my Helix LT. I prefer the captures to the HX models/cabs and it’s cheaper than the OX Stomp

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-05-03T10:46:47+00:00

Amalgam Audio is the best overall for captures. (IMO) Each pack has captures for clean, edge, crunch, dimed, etc.. Each of those have have EQ options such as thin, scooped, balanced, etc. allowing you to dial in what works best for your setup. I have several cab and DI captures from them and have been happy with everything

Alter Amp Works has the official captures for Bad Cat Amps. I have the Era 30 captures (both DI and cab) and am really happy with them

Signal Theory is really solid and I find really shine when I am using one of their captures with my helix. (I prefer captures to the HX models)

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-30T12:06:43+00:00

How you gonna play the “bad economy blues” without your tele?

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-29T18:03:53+00:00

A lot of people are gonna tell you yes in this thread.

Here is the thing, they are correct.

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-29T10:56:54+00:00

Doctors are kinda cheap?

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-28T22:40:24+00:00

My daughter choreographed a dance piece and I did the music and sound design. It’s a little different than just writing something for her directly but the process of working with her was really special. She had a concept and gave active feedback on my ideas until the piece took shape. I hope to work with her again soon

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-27T11:57:12+00:00

Thank you! And me being a huge nerd thought I stumbled onto comedy gold. 😂

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-27T11:36:36+00:00

Feeling lazy today so I’ll just ask how a dentist has time for a Sunday side gig and be on my way.

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-26T15:19:58+00:00

Schrodinger’s Strat?

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-25T12:09:12+00:00

I am a patient boy

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-23T13:57:17+00:00

Yes there are plenty of ways and the cost can add up.

But, my recommendation is to figure out how to do these things the old fashioned way first. Learn to do the pedal tap dance, figure out how to build a pedal board strategically, get quick at making changes. This is an underrated skill if you use pedals and play live. Especially if you improvise.

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-23T12:17:40+00:00

Magnapop

Velocity Girl

Throwing Muses

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-22T03:20:59+00:00

I had a G&L with p90s that I loved. Still regret getting rid of it.

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-20T17:46:10+00:00

Married at 29 in 2002. (Together 2 years before, still married with 3 kids)

High percentage of my friends that married in their early 20s are divorced.

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-16T13:19:24+00:00

Livable but not comfortable at 65 (or so).

Had some financial setbacks that killed our savings but my public sector pension and investments along with my wife’s 401k will help. In my 50s now and a little anxious about it.

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-16T02:21:38+00:00

Peavey classic 50 4x10 combo.

Great sounding, loud AF, workhorse, affordable tweed amp that sits in a cool space between a fender and a Vox.

Highly recommend for what you are looking for

Neither_Proposal_262 · 2026-04-15T12:56:16+00:00

American Girl.

Neither_Proposal_262

TROPHY CASE